“Do as much good for other people as you can while finding other good people.”
Chris Honda is a cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, and governance executive whose career has been defined by a commitment to protecting organizations, empowering people, and creating sustainable frameworks for growth. Throughout more than a decade of professional experience, he has established himself as a trusted leader capable of navigating the increasingly complex intersection of technology, security, privacy, regulatory compliance, and business strategy. His ability to translate technical challenges into actionable business solutions has made him a valuable partner to executive teams, boards of directors, and stakeholders seeking to strengthen organizational resilience while enabling innovation.
Currently serving as Director of Security, Risk, and Compliance at Whistic, Chris oversees enterprise-wide initiatives designed to enhance security posture, manage risk, maintain compliance, and establish governance practices that support long-term business objectives. In this role, he is responsible for driving strategic programs that strengthen customer trust, improve operational efficiency, and prepare organizations to meet evolving regulatory and cybersecurity challenges. His leadership extends across multiple disciplines, including governance, risk management, compliance, incident response, business continuity, disaster recovery, vendor risk management, and artificial intelligence governance.
Chris’s professional journey reflects a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership. He began his career in software engineering, gaining firsthand experience in product development, technical problem-solving, and the practical realities of building technology solutions. This foundation provided him with a deep understanding of how organizations operate from the inside out and would later become a significant advantage as he transitioned into cybersecurity and risk management. His ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive leadership continues to distinguish him as a well-rounded business leader capable of fostering collaboration across diverse functions.
During his tenure at Whistic, Chris steadily advanced through a series of increasingly influential leadership positions, including Security Analyst, Senior Security Analyst, Manager of Security, Risk, and Compliance, and ultimately Director. Along the way, he played a critical role in modernizing governance and compliance programs, implementing automation initiatives that significantly reduced compliance overhead, and establishing scalable frameworks that enhanced organizational efficiency. His efforts helped transform security and compliance from operational necessities into strategic business enablers that contributed directly to customer confidence and revenue growth.
One of Chris’s greatest strengths is his expertise in governance, risk, and compliance programs. He has successfully led organizations through complex audits and certification initiatives, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, and TX-RAMP compliance efforts. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, internal controls, and risk mitigation strategies has enabled organizations to strengthen accountability while maintaining agility in rapidly evolving markets. By aligning compliance initiatives with broader business goals, Chris has consistently demonstrated that effective governance can serve as a catalyst for growth rather than a barrier to innovation.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Chris has emerged as a respected authority in enterprise security strategy and organizational resilience. He has led initiatives to improve incident response capabilities, strengthen business continuity planning, and enhance disaster recovery preparedness. His work ensures that organizations are equipped not only to prevent security incidents but also to respond effectively when challenges arise. This proactive approach reflects his belief that resilience is built through preparation, collaboration, and continuous improvement rather than reactive decision-making.
Chris has also distinguished himself as an early leader in artificial intelligence governance. Recognizing the transformative impact AI is having across industries, he has worked closely with engineering and product teams to develop governance frameworks that support responsible innovation while managing associated risks. His leadership in preparing organizations for emerging AI standards and certifications demonstrates his commitment to helping businesses adopt new technologies responsibly and ethically. As organizations increasingly seek guidance in navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, Chris’s expertise positions him at the forefront of this rapidly developing field.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Chris is deeply committed to service and leadership within the broader community. He currently serves as a Board Member for The Ragnarok Foundation and as a Director for the Utah Korean Chamber of Commerce. These roles provide him with opportunities to contribute to organizational governance, strategic planning, and community development while expanding his understanding of leadership across different sectors. His board experience has strengthened his appreciation for the role effective governance plays in advancing mission-driven organizations and creating lasting impact.
Chris’s dedication to professional development is reflected in an impressive portfolio of certifications and credentials. He holds certifications as an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, ISO 27701 Lead Auditor, ISO 42001 Lead Auditor, Fellow of Management Systems Auditing, CCSK, and CIPP/US professional. Combined with his Master of Science in Cyber Security from Maryville University and his Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University, these credentials demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. His educational background also provides a unique global perspective that complements his technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
An accomplished public speaker, Chris has presented at conferences, webinars, podcasts, and professional events throughout his career. His speaking engagements have allowed him to share insights on cybersecurity, governance, risk management, compliance, and emerging technology trends with diverse audiences. He has also contributed his expertise as a review board member for respected cybersecurity conferences, helping shape industry dialogue and support the next generation of security professionals. His international experience includes presenting in Paris, further broadening his global perspective and professional network.
Fluent in Korean at a professional working proficiency level, Chris values the opportunities that cross-cultural communication creates in both business and community settings. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds reinforces his belief that effective leadership is rooted in understanding, collaboration, and respect. Whether working with technical teams, executive leaders, regulators, customers, or community organizations, he consistently prioritizes relationship-building as a cornerstone of success.
At the heart of Chris Honda’s leadership philosophy is a genuine desire to help others succeed. He is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, sharing knowledge, and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. His personal mission, “Do as much good for other people as you can while finding other good people,” reflects the values that guide his professional and personal life. As he continues to expand his board service and strategic leadership contributions, Chris remains focused on helping organizations navigate complexity, embrace innovation, and build secure, sustainable futures.
Character:
Chris consistently demonstrates integrity in every aspect of his professional and personal life. He approaches leadership with humility, service, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. His commitment to ethical decision-making and accountability has earned the trust of colleagues, executives, and board members alike.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, compliance, privacy, and artificial intelligence governance. He continuously invests in professional development to stay ahead of emerging trends and evolving regulations. His ability to combine technical knowledge with business insight allows him to provide practical solutions to complex challenges.
Strategic:
Chris excels at connecting operational initiatives with long-term organizational objectives. He understands how governance, risk management, and security programs contribute to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. His forward-thinking approach enables organizations to prepare for future opportunities while effectively managing uncertainty.
Communication:
A skilled communicator who can translate highly technical concepts into language that resonates with executive leaders and boards. He fosters collaboration by creating open dialogue among diverse stakeholders. Through public speaking, mentoring, and leadership, he consistently demonstrates the ability to inform, inspire, and influence others.
